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Astros Bold Predictions: Team Adds Encarnacion and McCann

By Eric Huysman

Jun 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) batting against Houston Astros in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) batting against Houston Astros in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /
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First Bold Prediction

Jun 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) batting against Houston Astros in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) batting against Houston Astros in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

Call it intuition or common sense, the Astros need a big bat. I will go out on the limb and predict that Luhnow will sign Edwin Encarnacion, and will sign him soon. My guess is that Luhnow has already met with Encarnacion’s agent and he could be considering between Toronto, Boston, and Houston.

It was reported by Encarnacion’s agent Paul Kinzer, via The Score, that he is seeking a five-year $125 million dollar deal. This is his first chance to test his value on the open market, so he’s looking big. While he is looking for the money, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wants to win the World Series too. With the Blue Jays, the team failed to advance deep in the playoffs in two straight years. He could see the talent that the Astros have and see a possibility of winning big.

Why Houston?

He could go to Boston, but then he would feel the pressure of filling in for David Ortiz‘s legacy. He could stay in Toronto, but Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders will most likely leave via free agency. Josh Donaldson will still be a Blue Jay, but their lineup won’t be as potent as it was in 2016. The Yankees and Rangers could get into the bidding, but I think the Astros make the most sense.

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The Astros have the means and need to sign him. This will allow Luhnow to use top prospects to acquire a starting pitcher. Kinzer says that the Blue Jays are his number one choice, but other teams have emerged that they didn’t expect. Could the Astros be one of those teams that have gone in on Encarnacion?

Kinzer also hinted that the process might not last long, Encarnacion does not want to drag this out. He wants to know where he and his family will live for the next five years. Luhnow has already come out and said that they would be aggressive this offseason. Instead of haggling over the price, I think the Astros made their best offer. Could Encarnacion be considering it? I am predicting that he will sign with Houston.

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